How to Improve Public Speaking

The secret to a great speech is preparation.

Maybe just the thought of speaking in front of an audience causes you to get flustered and flub your lines, but public speaking is a skill that can be learned and improved upon. Channel your favorite orator, and get ready to wow the audience.

Things You'll Need

• Your voice

Instructions

1. Know your audience. Prepare your speech based on what you know about the audience. Think about what's important to them and shape your speech to their needs.If you're able to endear yourself to them early on, you've got them for the rest of your speech.

2. Tell a story. Your speech should have a clear beginning, middle and end. Present the issue, the problem or the situation and take your audience on a journey through you important points. Your story should support your message.

3. Get to know your audience before the speech. Take time to meet and greet before taking the podium. Doing this can boost your confidence and make you feel more at ease with the people in the room. You get to create a connection with your audience which might make them more interested in what you have to say.

4. Practice. This is best way to improve your public speaking. Go over your speech every single day and do it in front of a mirror so you can watch your facial expressions and mannerisms. Record yourself giving the speech to pinpoint where you stumble over words. Practice in front of a trusted friend who will give you constructive criticism.

5. Create and outline of your speech to follow. Use this as your guide when you speak in front of the audience.

Tips & Warnings

• If possible speak that the beginning of the event, as the audience if fresher and more apt to listen to you, laugh at your jokes and follow your stories.

References

• Michael Hyatt: How To Improve Your Public Speaking By Practicing Out loud